Madison – Today Representative Tamara Grigsby (D-Milwaukee) announced that she plans to step down at the end of her term rather than seek re-election for a fifth term.

“I’ve been honored to serve as a voice for the 18th Assembly District. In my almost eight years as a State Representative, working with my colleagues in the Legislature on issues important to my constituents brought me endless joy and satisfaction. I am proud of much of what we accomplished,” Grigsby said.

As Chair of the Assembly Committee on Children and Families and, later, as a ranking member of the Joint Committee on Finance, Grigsby fought for child welfare, W-2 improvements, health care access, excellent public education for all children, criminal justice reform, and the rights of women and minorities. She gave voice to families and to those who are historically underrepresented in policy-making.

During the 2009-2010 Legislative Session, Grigsby passed 18 bills, more than any other State Representative. “That session was a high point. We were in an economic recession, yet we made critical improvements in job access, transportation, children and families, civil rights, and education. I now see how historical it was,” Grigsby said.

“Unfortunately, the incivility and lack of compassion that characterized the 2011-2012 Legislative Session affected my health. After much soul-searching, I have decided that this is a good time for me to be of service in new ways. I intend to fully regain my strength and return as an even more powerful voice for others. In the meantime, I will continue to champion causes that are important to me and my community.”

Prior to joining the Assembly, Grigsby, a family social worker, served as Program Manager at the Milwaukee office of the Wisconsin Council on Children & Families and lectured at the Helen Bader School of Social Welfare at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee.

During her Assembly terms, she served as a local volunteer and participant in multiple civic organizations, including the NAACP, the Sherman Park Neighborhood Association, and the National Association of Social Workers. She also taught social welfare methods and policy at Cardinal Stritch University. She will continue advocating for changes to the institutions that affect struggling people throughout Wisconsin.